“VINTAGE BAMA IS BACK! — Paul Finebaum Says Kalen DeBoer’s Red-Hot Recruiting Run Feels Like ‘Nick Saban is Running the Ship Again’ as Alabama Dominates 2026 Trail”
The Alabama Crimson Tide may have undergone a major transition when legendary head coach Nick Saban retired, but if there were any doubts about whether the program could maintain its dominant presence on the recruiting trail, those questions have been emphatically answered. Under new head coach Kalen DeBoer, Alabama’s recruiting machine has not just remained intact—it’s exploded with renewed force, resembling the kind of high-octane dominance that fans were used to under Saban. Over the past few weeks, the Crimson Tide have been on a recruiting tear, racking up elite commitments at a pace that has stunned the college football world and vaulted the program back into national recruiting prominence for the Class of 2026. Alabama now holds more five-star commitments than any other program in the country for that class, with nine new recruits added in the month of June alone—eight of which came within just two weeks.
For a fanbase as rabid and expectant as Alabama’s, this recent wave of momentum is more than just a feel-good story—it’s a firm statement that the Tide are not going anywhere. National media personalities, including respected SEC analyst and college football voice Paul Finebaum, have taken notice. During a segment on “McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning,” Finebaum praised DeBoer’s recruiting roll and drew a significant comparison. “Quite frankly, this is one of the great recruiting runs we’ve seen in some years,” Finebaum said. “It almost feels like Nick Saban is running the ship again when it comes to recruiting because this is vintage Alabama recruiting.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly. Finebaum, who covered the entirety of Saban’s storied tenure in Tuscaloosa, knows what elite recruiting looks like. For him to utter the phrase “vintage Alabama recruiting” in reference to DeBoer’s current efforts is a monumental compliment, and it signals that the rest of the college football landscape should be on high alert. Alabama is once again loading up with the kind of talent that wins national championships—and they’re doing it with a new man in charge.
When Kalen DeBoer was first hired to replace Saban, the move was met with both curiosity and skepticism. A proven winner at Washington with a calm and cerebral demeanor, DeBoer didn’t carry the same aura or gravitas that Saban did. And yet, behind the scenes, Alabama’s administration and DeBoer himself believed that the program’s core values and recruiting infrastructure could be sustained. What they likely didn’t anticipate—at least not this soon—was just how quickly the program would begin to surge again on the recruiting trail. DeBoer, alongside an aggressive staff of recruiters and player personnel experts, has tapped into both the brand power of Alabama and his own reputation as a developer of talent.
The Class of 2026 recruiting haul reads like a wish list for any college football coach. Five-star prospects across multiple positions have pledged to Alabama in rapid succession, from game-changing wide receivers and dominant defensive linemen to elite offensive tackles and athletic safeties. The sheer diversity of talent being brought in reflects a balanced approach to roster building, and it sends a clear message to the rest of the country: Alabama is recruiting with a purpose.
Even more impressive than the names themselves is the timeline. In an era where recruiting battles often stretch out over months or even years, Alabama’s ability to secure eight commitments in a two-week span is staggering. That kind of momentum creates a domino effect. When one top recruit commits, others pay attention. When five or six commit, it turns into a movement. And now that Alabama has claimed the top spot in terms of five-star commits, that movement is becoming a tidal wave.
DeBoer’s approach seems to be resonating not just with recruits, but with their families and high school coaches as well. Known for his integrity, attention to detail, and emphasis on player development, DeBoer offers something that today’s recruits crave: a path to the NFL paired with a culture of accountability and support. Unlike the flash-and-flair approach of some programs, Alabama continues to sell consistency, legacy, and long-term success. That pitch worked under Saban, and it’s proving just as effective under DeBoer.
Finebaum’s comments struck a chord with many Alabama fans because they validate what those inside the program already sense: this isn’t just a good stretch of recruiting—it’s a transformative one. “I think when we saw this transition two and a half years ago, I think a lot of people doubted Alabama could come back to this particular moment in time,” Finebaum said. “But it is here and I think it bodes extremely well for Alabama in the future.”
That future, thanks to DeBoer’s recent efforts, looks increasingly bright. As the SEC prepares for expansion and increased competition with the arrival of Texas and Oklahoma, the arms race in recruiting has never been more intense. Programs across the country are throwing around NIL money, social media campaigns, and flash to win over recruits. And yet, Alabama’s formula—rooted in substance and supported by elite coaching—continues to thrive.
Behind the scenes, the success has been driven by a cohesive recruiting operation that includes not just DeBoer but also key assistants, analysts, and support staff. Together, they’ve implemented a strategy that is aggressive, well-researched, and relentless. It’s not just about offering scholarships—it’s about building real relationships and showing recruits exactly how they fit into Alabama’s long-term plans.
Perhaps most encouraging for Tide fans is the idea that this is only the beginning. DeBoer and his staff have built this momentum in relatively short order, and with months remaining until the early signing period, there’s plenty of room to climb even higher. More top targets remain on the board, and with Alabama now firmly back in the national spotlight, the Tide are in prime position to close the 2026 class with authority.
The culture inside the locker room is also benefiting. Current players see the kind of talent being brought in, and it raises the standard across the board. Competition sharpens iron, and with each new elite commitment, Alabama’s roster becomes deeper and more dangerous. That internal competition is a hallmark of the program’s success and one of the key reasons it has been able to sustain greatness for so long.
It’s also worth noting that DeBoer has successfully balanced the use of the transfer portal with traditional high school recruiting. While some programs have leaned heavily on veteran transfers to plug holes, Alabama has maintained its identity as a developmental powerhouse. By investing in high school talent, the Tide continue to build a roster that is not only elite today but capable of sustained excellence for years to come.
For the rest of college football, Alabama’s resurgence under DeBoer is a chilling reminder: the more things change, the more they stay the same. Just when the nation thought the post-Saban era might bring a window of vulnerability, Alabama has slammed that window shut with ruthless efficiency. The recruiting trail is once again being dominated by the script “A,” and every other program in the country is being forced to adjust accordingly.
The next few months will be crucial as DeBoer and his staff look to secure the commitments they’ve already received and potentially add even more star power. But regardless of what happens from this point forward, the message has already been sent. Alabama isn’t rebuilding. It’s reloading. And according to Paul Finebaum and many others, it looks and feels just like the heyday of Nick Saban’s dynasty.
For a fan base that has grown accustomed to greatness, these developments are more than just exciting—they’re affirming. They prove that the culture Saban built wasn’t just tied to one man, but rather deeply rooted in the foundation of the program. And now, under DeBoer’s leadership, that foundation is proving sturdy enough to support a new era of dominance.
As the 2026 class continues to take shape, one thing is certain: Alabama is back in a big way. The recruiting trail belongs to the Crimson Tide once again, and the rest of the college football world is taking notice. With Kalen DeBoer at the helm and the engine roaring, it’s beginning to feel a lot like the glory days all over again. Vintage Alabama is not just a memory—it’s the present. And if current trends are any indication, it’s also the future.
